By Elizabeth Barhydt
New Canaan has entered the final phase of its fall infrastructure program. Through mid-November, drivers should expect spot impacts across several corridors as utilities wrap, road surfaces cure, and new safety controls take effect.
Town Roads & Routine Restoration
The public works paving crew has completed main road surfacing for 2025.
Work now proceeds to patch and restore trench cuts, smooth seams, and match roadway edges.
Most of this restoration occurs adjacent to prior utility sites and should result in minimal closures—expect single-lane shifts or short flagging zones.
Route 124 (Luke’s Wood Rd → Lambert Rd)
The state resurfacing program is nearing its end. Final paving and striping are scheduled through early October.
Drivers may encounter occasional lane closures or alternating traffic, particularly during overnight or off-peak periods.
Motorists traveling between Lambert and Lukes Wood should plan for slower travel and possible detours in that window.
Route 106 Utilities & Overlay
Utility work from Canoe Hill to the Wilton line has largely concluded, with water mains fully installed.
Gas line work is expected to finish by mid-October, after which crews will move to overlay the roadway.
The permit allowing resurfacing runs until Nov. 15; paving must be completed within that window.
During overlay, expect partial closures, reduced speeds, and crews staged along the roadway.
South Avenue (Farm Rd to Harrison Ave)
Earlier in summer, utility trenching and main work were completed and the corridor was reopened for school traffic.
Starting mid-October, crews will cut back edges and overlay disturbed areas.
A short full closure may be needed for seamless surfacing, but the plan is to minimize disruption to commuters.
Trenches from the season will be repaved starting October 13th. The work will continue again next summer then the whole road will be repaved in 2027.
Brushy Ridge / Locust / Route 123 Pedestrian Project
Active construction is underway to add crosswalk enhancements, signal upgrades, and sidewalk connections at the junction.
Lanes will narrow during work hours (weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Residents should expect temporary crosswalk closures and reroutes, particularly for midday or afternoon commutes.
Playhouse Access / Ramp & Alley Work
Starting Monday, Oct. 6, work began on the alley between the Playhouse and the Pen building, as well as ramp improvements.
The alley is currently open. Drivers heading to Playhouse-area parking should follow posted signage, potentially using alternate access via White Buffalo lot.
Equipment staging may encroach on adjacent lanes; users should proceed cautiously.
The goal is to restore full circulation before Thanksgiving.
Intersection Change: White Oak Shade Rd & Gerdes
The intersection will be converted to an all-way stop.
Signs are bagged now; unbagging and formal enforcement begin Oct. 10.
Drivers should treat all approaches as stop-controlled once live, and familiarize themselves with stop patterns in advance.
Strategic Advice for Drivers
Plan alternate routes, especially during peak hours along South Avenue, Route 106, and in the Playhouse zone.
Obey flaggers and temporary signals: many work zones are active 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Allow extra travel time—even short segments may see queueing due to lane restrictions or staged operations.
Watch for changing patterns: as one project closes, another opens; stay alert to new signage and detours.
Use caution near intersections undergoing safety upgrades (Brushy Ridge/123 and White Oak Shade/Gerdes).
Avoid work zones unless essential: missing one closure may force multiple delays downstream.
October marks the transition from construction to finish work—paving edges, surfacing, access restoration and safety controls. While disruption will linger, crews are focused on delivering permanent improvements before winter freezes begin.